Anurag Basu’s “Metro In Dino” revisits the complexities of modern relationships, offering a blend of exhilarating and occasionally frustrating moments.
Navigating Love in the Modern Metropolis
This film is a spiritual successor to “Life… In A Metro,” delving into familiar themes of warring couples, commitment issues, and the search for connection. While the core human frailties remain, “Metro In Dino” updates the landscape for the digital age, swapping clunky old cell phones for sleek smartphones and dating apps.
It explores how technology, despite promising connection, often leads to disconnection. The narrative weaves through multiple storylines set across Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bangalore, plus scenic Goa and Shimla, showcasing diverse urban relationships.
A Mix of Familiar and New Faces
Konkona Sen Sharma makes a welcome return from the original cast, with Pankaj Tripathi stepping into a role reminiscent of Irrfan Khan’s memorable character. Pritam’s three-member band also features prominently, acting as a recurring commentator throughout the film.
The story follows several intertwined lives: a long-married couple grappling with boredom, a young woman navigating a suspicious partner and a new romantic interest, and a mother rekindling an old flame. Other threads explore the challenges of balancing career aspirations with unexpected life changes, like pregnancy, within a corporate grind.
Anurag Basu’s Signature Storytelling
Director Anurag Basu maintains his distinct style, blending realism with a touch of hyper-reality. The film shines in its nimble writing and naturalistic dialogue, making conversations feel authentic to the characters’ lives. These moments often catch characters off-guard, adding a delightful spontaneity.
The plot generally moves swiftly, especially in the first half, keeping viewers engaged. Basu’s ability to craft edifices of messy emotions, charting graphs of hurt and happiness, is evident, despite occasional exaggerations.
Performances: Hits and Misses
The ensemble cast delivers varied performances. Sara Ali Khan, in a role described as Kareena Kapoor-coded, shows improvement from her previous films, even getting a powerful emotional release scene. Aditya Roy Kapoor effectively portrays a breezy, sometimes irresponsible, character.
Pankaj Tripathi and Konkona Sen Sharma’s portrayal of a long-married couple is a highlight, with Tripathi bringing a unique energy to his role. However, the film occasionally struggles with balance, with some subplots feeling heavy-handed or outdated, such as a teenage character’s journey of self-discovery or an older couple’s attempt to help a widowed daughter-in-law.
While the film boasts a large cast, some characters do not get enough screen time to leave a lasting impact. Additionally, Pritam’s pervasive soundtrack, though beautiful, can become a bit too much, distracting from the narrative flow.
- “Metro In Dino” explores contemporary relationship challenges in a multi-city setting.
- Anurag Basu’s directorial style blends naturalistic moments with heightened drama.
- The film features an ensemble cast, with standout performances from Konkona Sen Sharma and Pankaj Tripathi.
Despite its length and a few meandering threads, “Metro In Dino” offers a refreshing departure from typical Indian cinema. It courageously delves into adult themes of desire, lust, and love, making it an engaging watch that captures the unruly and exhilarating aspects of life, leaving audiences hoping for another installment sooner rather than later.
